TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Latest on the change in the Kansas governor’s office (all times local):
12 p.m.
Incoming Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer begins his tenure needing to mend relations with fellow Republicans in the Legislature, whose clashes with his GOP predecessor intensified in recent months.
The ill will Colyer faces now stands in sharp contrast to lawmakers’ generally positive mood last fall after President Donald Trump nominated outgoing Gov. Sam Brownback for an ambassador’s post.
Colyer was lieutenant governor and promised to be more open. Lawmakers warmed to the prospects of working with him after years of financial distress under Brownback.
But earlier this month, Brownback proposed phasing in a big increase in spending on public schools. Many Republican legislators view the plan as financially reckless.
The incoming governor must quell an open revolt among GOP lawmakers.
Brownback is stepping down as governor at 3 p.m. Wednesday, elevating Colyer to governor.
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10:15 a.m.
Sam Brownback plans to step down as Kansas governor at 3 p.m. Wednesday following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate to an ambassador’s post.
Brownback sent a letter of resignation Thursday to the Kansas secretary of state, detailing his plan to step down next week. Fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer will be elevated to governor.
Brownback’s office has yet to release the details of Colyer’s swearing-in ceremony.
The Senate voted 50-49 along party lines Tuesday to confirm Brownback’s appointment by President Donald Trump as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Vice President Mike Pence broke a tie to ensure Brownback’s confirmation.
Brownback is a former U.S. senator who was elected governor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, both times with Colyer on his ticket.
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